Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Manuel Akanji BOOST, Antony twist as rivals join race, De Jong fuming, Ronaldo gives update
MANUEL AKANJI prefers to join Manchester United over Arsenal in the summer, reports suggest.
The Borussia Dortmund defender, 27, has been informed that he is no longer part of Dortmund manager Edin Terzic's plans and won't be used in the team's remaining pre-season games.
Elsewhere, United have been linked with a move for Ajax star Antony all summer, but now Liverpool have joined the battle for his signature.
And wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo is continuing to train alone as the Manchester United forward keeps up his his fitness in his native Portugal.
The 37-year-old has informed the Red Devils of his desire to leave this summer after the club failed to secure Champions League football.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez
- OUT: Paul Pogba (released), Juan Mata (released), Jesse Lingard (released), Nemanja Matic (Roma), Edinson Cavani (released), Lee Grant (released), D'Mani Mellor (released), Reece Devine (released), Paul McShane (released), Connor Stanley (released), Paul Woolston (released)
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'United and Arsenal target' Tielemans set for Foxes talks
Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans will sit down with manager Brendan Rodgers this week to discuss his future with the club.
The Belgian international has a year remaining on his current deal at the King Power, and has so far refused any suggestion of an extension.
He has been strongly linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, and was expected to be the focus of a summer bidding war.
However, offers are yet to materialise, and the 25-year-old is now open to discussing his options with the Foxes hierarchy.
Ten Hag won't rule out keeping Ron until 2024
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is not just insisting he hopes to keep wantaway legend Cristiano Ronaldo for the next season - he also reckons he might keep him for 2023-4.
Frontman Ronaldo, 37, is being linked to Atletico Madrid after so far staying away from United's training.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Hammers close on Broja and Lingard
West Ham are closing on Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, Chelsea striker Armando Broja and Monaco anchorman Amadou Onana.
The Hammers could pay around £7.5million for former loan sensation Lingard.
Albania ace Broja is tipped for the London Stadium in at least a loan deal.
But the Hammers are still said to fancy a permanent move.
And the Standard say West Ham chief David Moyes is ready to make a third bid for Onana that could be worth £30m with add-ons.
Atletico ' to make Ronaldo No1 target'
Diego Simeone wants to make Cristiano Ronaldo the No1 transfer target for Atletico Madrid this summer, according to reports.
But the Spanish giants will have to raise £34million in sales if they are to fund a deal for the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo has told Man Utd that he wants to leave in order to keep playing Champions League football.
The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season - a position only good enough to see them qualify for the Europa League.
Atletico are in the Champions League and understand that manager Simeone loves the idea of signing Ronaldo.
Simeone feels he could be the perfect replacement to Luis Suarez - who left at the end of last season when his contract expired.
But in order to do so they will first need to sell players to the sum of £34m. There is also the concern around him being a Real Madrid legend - Atletico's bitter rivals.
Ronaldo was the king of Madrid when he scored an astonishing 311 goals in 292 LaLiga matches between 2009 and 2018 in a spell that also saw him win the Champions League four times.
And that made him public enemy No1 with Atleti - but now he could be about to sensationally join them.
Ivan linked to Bees
Manchester United have already frustrated Brentford by making one signing – and now could double that pain with another.
The Red Devils confirmed the purchase of Christian Eriksen last week, and this weekend were linked with Bees striker Ivan Toney.
The Sunday Mirror revealed that United have been keeping a close eye on developments regarding the 26-year-old.
Along with Eriksen, Toney was a key reason for Brentford’s successful first season in the Premier League.
The former Newcastle forward netted 12 times last term, five of which came from the penalty spot.
City beat Utd to Emilio
Manchester City have completed the signing of Everton wonderkid Emilio Lawrence, according to reports.
The youngster is highly rated and also attracted interest from Manchester United.
Everton also wanted to keep him and offered a new contract, which Lawrence has rejected in favour of joining City, report .
Lawrence featured for Everton's youth sides but never signed a scholar contract. That opened the door for City to pounce, snapping up the 16-year-old amid interest from Chelsea.
It is a blow for Everton who also lost young prospect Thierry Small to Southampton last summer after he became the youngest player to make an appearance to the Toffees six months earlier.
Lawrence made 17 appearances for Everton under-18s last season, scoring six and assisting three.
The attacking midfielder also played in four Premier League 2 games and that could increase the amount City owe Everton in compensation.
Red Devils duel Blues for Brazilian schoolboy
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly set to enter a transfer battle for 15-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.
claims the duo are ready to make bids when the forward turns 16 on Thursday.
The occasion will see Endrick sign his first-ever contract with club Palmeiras.
And the Samba giants are ready to part ways with their wonderkid if his new £34million release clause is met.
United and Chelsea are preparing to swoop sooner rather than later as that figure will rise to £43m next year - and £50m in 2024.
Endrick is yet to make a single senior appearance for Palmeiras despite being rated as South America’s top prospect.
Lingard close to Hammers deal
West Ham are closing on Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, Chelsea striker Armando Broja and Monaco anchorman Amadou Onana.
The Hammers could pay around £7.5million for former loan sensation Lingard.
Albania ace Broja is tipped for the London Stadium in at least a loan deal.
But the Hammers are still said to fancy a permanent move.
And the Standard say West Ham chief David Moyes is ready to make a third bid for Onana that could be worth £30m with add-ons.
Ten Hag ponders captaincy boost for Maguire
Harry Maguire keeping the Manchester United captaincy will restore his form and confidence.
That is the hope of new Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag who has backed the under fire skipper by making it clear he is keeping the armband.
So will that really have the desired effect? "It can help," said Ten Hag.
"I will support him everywhere I can. In the end he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He has showed it so often in the past."
It is clear Ten Hag sees Maguire as first choice from the off despite the signing of centre back Lisandro Martinez, plus Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof already in the squad.
Ten Hag said: "I think he is. He’s proved it in the past but he has also to prove it in the present time and in the future.
"The captain is a really important one and I’m happy with him. He has played 60 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him.
";But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games.
"We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup so we need a full squad with high-quality players not quantity."
Ten Hag unsure of Ron will join training
Erik ten Hag still does not know when Cristiano Ronaldo will join up with the Manchester United squad even after they return from their pre-season tour.
Ronaldo is currently training on his own having not gone on tour due to ‘family reasons’.
And asked if he will be joining up with the rest of the squad at Carrington on their return, boss Ten Hag said: “I cannot tell you. Not yet.”
The player wants out of Old Trafford, and despite a sensational report in Spain claiming Atletico Madrid could be about to move for him, so far the club has not had a firm offer for him.
It leaves him with the prospect of starting the new season still with United, but Ten Hag believes he will be ready despite not having trained with the rest of the squad yet.
He said: “I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit, that is the last concern I have.”
The new boss also has no worries about whether the 37-year-old can adapt to his high energy pressing style of play.
He said: “I think Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career he has shown everything. I have set my demand. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad."
Cristian-woe share price
Manchester United’s share price has dropped 5% to its lowest point in history with £50m wiped off the club’s market value since news emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last season, breaking shirt sale records and providing a huge commercial boost to the club in the process.
However, since the Portuguese forward announced his intentions to depart, the MANU share price has dropped a further 5% from 11.01 to 10.42 – its lowest ever price.
said: “Manchester United’s share price fell to an all-time low last week following the news that star player Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club.
“Since the reports emerged, $60million (£50million) has been wiped off the club’s market value with its share price falling another 5% to its lowest point since joining the New York Stock Exchange in 2012.
“The team’s failure to capture Champions League football this season has coincided with the downward trajectory of the club’s shares – falling 37% since October.”
Red Denzil?
Manchester United have turned their attention towards signing a new right-back, according to reports.
The Red Devils are eyeing a rebuild under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen have already arrived at Old Trafford.
Ajax ace Lisandro Martinez will soon follow suit in a £55million move.
All three are either familiar with Ten Hag personally or have experience playing in the Dutch league.
And according to , Ten Hag will continue his theme of attempting to sign familiar faces with United keen on signing Inter Milan ace Denzel Dumfries, formally of PSV.
Inter are open to selling the right-back this summer.
Discussions over Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is highly rated by Ten Hag.
Ron his way to Real rivals Atletico?
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly convinced Diego Simeone to bring him back to Madrid – to play for Atletico.
The Real Madrid legend, 37, is desperate to leave Manchester United this summer and play Champions League football.
Ronaldo still has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract but is yet to return for pre-season training with the Red Devils.
However, the veteran forward has found that interest in him is not as high as he anticipated with a number of clubs ruling themselves out of the running to sign him.
Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have declared that they are not interested, while the star himself has zero interest in taking up a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
However, Spanish outlet Diario AS are now claiming that Ronaldo could be about to return to the Spanish capital.
He shot to superstardom with Atletico’s city rivals Real, scoring 311 goals in 292 LaLiga matches between 2009 and 2018 and winning the Champions League four times.
And that made him public enemy No. 1 with their neighbours, who he could now be about to sensationally join.
Juve eye Gabriel after Bayern win De Ligt race
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Villarreal star Pau Torres are reportedly on Juventus’ four-man shortlist to replace Bayern Munich-bound Matthijs de Ligt.
German champs Bayern sealed a £68m deal for Holland hero De Ligt despite earlier interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is looking to bring in a replacement quickly, after also losing Giorgio Chiellini join LAFC on a free transfer.
The Serie A giants are known to be interested in Brazilian Gabriel.
And now has stated that the ex-Lille man is one of four players on Juve’s radar.
Along with Gabriel, it has been said that Spain international Torres is a possible option.
Red Devils linked to second swoop on Brentford
Manchester United have already frustrated Brentford by making one signing – and now could double that pain with another.
The Red Devils confirmed the purchase of Christian Eriksen last week, and this weekend were linked with Bees striker Ivan Toney.
The Sunday Mirror revealed that United have been keeping a close eye on developments regarding the 26-year-old.
Along with Eriksen, Toney was a key reason for Brentford’s successful first season in the Premier League.
The former Newcastle forward netted 12 times last term, five of which came from the penalty spot.
United closing in on Clauss
Manchester United are nearing a deal for Lens wing-back Jonathan Clauss, according to reports in France.
Le10Sport understand that an offer of around €7m has been submitted, and will soon be accepted by the Ligue 1 club.
The 29-year-old has excelled since moving to Lens two years ago with his performances down the right finally winning him international recognition late in his career.
Several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal had been linked with Clauss, but it now appears as though United are firmly in the driving seat.
Ten Hag: Martinez is a warrior
There has been some suggestion since Lisandro Martinez signed for Manchester United that the 5ft 9in defender will be unable to cope with the physical aspect of the Premier League.
However, Erik ten Hag has no doubts that the Argentine can deal that side of the game, labelling his former Ajax player as a 'warrior' with a 'fighting spirit'.
He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, a fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness to the game, but in a good way. I think we need that. The Premier League is high intensity with lots of challenges, and we will need such players.
Erik ten HagFoxes bring talks for the Tielemans
Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans will sit down with manager Brendan Rodgers this week to discuss his future with the club.
The Belgian international has a year remaining on his current deal at the King Power, and has so far refused any suggestion of an extension.
He has been strongly linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, and was expected to be the focus of a summer bidding war.
However, offers are yet to materialise, and the 25-year-old is now open to discussing his options with the Foxes hierarchy.
United hold ambitious Hakimi talks
Manchester United are said to have spoken to Paris Saint-Germain regarding defender Achraf Hakimi.
Footballtransfers.com reveal that the Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of the Moroccan international, and considers him the ideal option for the right-back spot at Old Trafford.
However, despite United's speculative approach, it is privately acknowledged within the club that the signing would be too costly.
Hakimi chipped in with four goals and six assists during his debut season at the Parc des Princes, having arrived from Inter Milan for €60m a year ago.
The 23-year-old's current contract with the Ligue 1 champions runs until 2026.
Ten Hag team taking shape
It's now just 20 days until Manchester United begin Premier League life under Erik ten Hag with a home game against Brighton - and the Dutchman's starting XI is beginning to take shape.
However, how the Red Devils line up against Albion hinges on two major questions: will Frenkie de Jong sign for United? And will Cristiano Ronaldo stay?
Should Ten Hag convince both that his United project is worth being a part of then expect both to go straight into the team.
Other areas up for discussion include Lisandro Martinez's role and his possible partner in defence, and whether Anthony Martial will be offered the chance to rejuvenate his Old Trafford career.
Ronaldo wipes £50m off United value
Manchester United’s share price has dropped 5% to its lowest point in history with £50m wiped off the club's market value since news emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave.
The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last season, breaking shirt sale records and providing a huge commercial boost to the club in the process.
However, since the Portuguese forward announced his intentions to depart, the MANU share price has dropped a further 5% from 11.01 to 10.42 - its lowest ever price.
said: “Manchester United’s share price fell to an all-time low last week following the news that star player Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club.
“Since the reports emerged, $60million (£50million) has been wiped off the club’s market value with its share price falling another 5% to its lowest point since joining the New York Stock Exchange in 2012.
“The team’s failure to capture Champions League football this season has coincided with the downward trajectory of the club’s shares - falling 37% since October."
Ron could join Real rivals
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly convinced Diego Simeone to bring him back to Madrid – to play for Atletico.
The Real Madrid legend, 37, is desperate to leave Manchester United this summer and play Champions League football.
Ronaldo still has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract but is yet to return for pre-season training with the Red Devils.
However, the veteran forward has found that interest in him is not as high as he anticipated with a number of clubs ruling themselves out of the running to sign him.
Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have declared that they are not interested, while the star himself has zero interest in taking up a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.
However, Spanish outlet Diario AS are now claiming that Ronaldo could be about to return to the Spanish capital.
He shot to superstardom with Atletico’s city rivals Real, scoring 311 goals in 292 LaLiga matches between 2009 and 2018 and winning the Champions League four times.
And that made him public enemy No. 1 with their neighbours, who he could now be about to sensationally join.
United consider shock Toney switch
Manchester United have already frustrated Brentford by making one signing - and now could double that pain with another.
The Red Devils confirmed the purchase of Christian Eriksen last week, and this weekend were linked with Bees striker Ivan Toney.
The Sunday Mirror revealed that United have been keeping a close eye on developments regarding the 26-year-old.
Along with Eriksen, Toney was a key reason for Brentford's successful first season in the Premier League.
The former Newcastle forward netted 12 times last term, five of which came from the penalty spot.
Martinez prefers central defence role
Manchester United's new signing Lisandro Martinez has moved to Old Trafford in order to play as a centre-back.
There had been speculation that at just five foot and nine inches tall, the Argentine may find the physical aspect of defending in the Premier League overwhelming.
And with Erik ten Hag having previously used the 24-year-old as a defensive midfielder, it had been suggested that he would be used to protect the back line.
However, has revealed that Martinez much prefers to play at centre-half, and they believe that's where United's new boss intends to use them.
The revelation suddenly casts speculation on the future of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
Morning, United fans
United rushed through Lisandro Martinez's signing but might wait until the last minute to land Frenkie de Jong.
Argentina centre-back Martinez joined from boss Erik ten Hag's old club Ajax for £55million.
But the on-off saga over Barcelona midfielder de Jong took another twist.
United broke through last week by reportedly agreeing a £72m fee, only for the Holland star to again show reluctance to move.
But with De Jong so important to his former manager Ten Hag, it's claimed the Red Devils are prepared to hold out until September 1, the final day of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Martinez arrives amid claims Old Trafford bosses initially rated Villarreal's Sapin star Pau Torres as the better option.
But Ten Hag preferred Martinez and stood firm to get his man.
Wantaway legend Cristiano Ronaldo has blasted 'fake' claims his car was at first club Sporting Lisbon - amid transfer speculation.
And outgoing Juventus frontman Paulo Dybala is tipped to rebuff interest from United, as well as other Prem giants, by joining Roma ahead of Inter Milan.
